Sheepvention Rural Expo & The Hamilton Exhibition & Conference Centre

The Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society contributes to the promotion and success of South West Victoria’s primary industry
through the staging of events and promotion of agriculture.

The Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society was established in 1858 and held its first show in September the same year.  This Show was held in the area of French and Thompson Streets.  Later Shows were moved to “Bree Park” in the Bree Rd area of Hamilton.

A few years later, The Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society established itself at the site now known at the Hamilton Showgrounds bordering Shakespeare, King, Park (now College) and Horner Streets. This area was gazetted by the Government as a site for the provision of agricultural shows and still maintains this standard today. The Showgrounds were originally used for livestock sales as well as agricultural shows.

Users of the Showgrounds currently include the Hamilton Kennel Club, Greater Hamilton Archers, Hamilton Lions Club, Western District Umpires Association, SES and Hamilton Brass Band.